Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.4
4.6
Journals
Toxics
Special Issues
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects
share announcement

Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Emerging Contaminants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2022) | Viewed by 55679

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Costanza Scopetani

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research programme, Niemenkatu 73, Lahti; FIN-15140, University of Helsinki, Finland
Interests: analytical chemistry; environmental analysis; environmental chemistry; emerging contaminants; microplastics; nanoplastics
Dr. Tania Martellini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
Interests: environmental chemistry; POPs (persistent organic pollutants); emerging pollutants; risk assessment of POPs; remote area; indoor air quality (IAQ); aerosol; long-range transport; distribution and fate of contaminants; source apportionment; microplastics; house dust; gas-particle partitioning; flame retardants; pesticides; GC-MS; HPLC; elementar analysis; levoglucosan and biomass burning sources
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Diana Campos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: micro (nano) plastics; ecotoxicology; aquatic ecosystems; aquatic invertebrates; multigeneration; mesocosms; food webs; biomarke

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The large production and widespread daily consumption of plastic materials, which began in the last century, coupled with often-inadequate collection and recycling systems, have made plastics and, consequently, microplastics ubiquitous pollutants.

The scientific community is increasingly showing its concern about microplastic pollution and the possible effects on the biota and environment. Aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, seem to act as major sinks for plastics and microplastics. Microplastic pollution is so widespread that we might assume no aquatic environment has been left untouched. Despite it having been more than a decade since the scientific community started to focus on microplastics, and despite a large number of peer-reviewed papers published on this research topic, there are still several gaps that need to be filled. The lack of method harmonization for sampling, treating and analyzing samples hampers the comparability of the studies conducted to date. Furthermore, microplastics’ effects on biota and humans are still poorly understood. Another important and little-investigated aspect is the distribution and potential effects on the environment of the so-called "bioplastics" or “biobased materials” that are replacing traditional plastics in some sectors but that also have critical issues.

This Toxics Special Issue welcomes any novel studies focusing on microplastics in aquatic environments, their occurrence and distribution, and the effects they might have on the environment and the biota. Research examining the sources of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, current and future methodologies for microplastic sampling and analysis, and the ecological risks posed by microplastics are also welcome.

Dr. Costanza Scopetani
Dr. Tania Martellini
Dr. Diana Campos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microplastics
  • bioplastics
  • aquatic ecosystems
  • microplastics effect assessment
  • microplastics and risk assessment
  • microplastic methodologies
  • plastic pollution
  • analytical methods harmonization
  • quality control

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 205 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue “Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects”
by Costanza Scopetani, Tania Martellini and Diana Campos
Toxics 2022, 10(7), 407; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10070407 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1469
Abstract
The large production and widespread daily consumption of plastic materials—which began in the last century—together with the often-inadequate collection and recycling systems, have made plastics and, consequently, microplastics (MPs) ubiquitous pollutants [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 3017 KiB  
Article
Occurrence and Characterization of Small Microplastics (<100 μm), Additives, and Plasticizers in Larvae of Simuliidae
by Fabiana Corami, Beatrice Rosso, Valentina Iannilli, Simone Ciadamidaro, Barbara Bravo and Carlo Barbante
Toxics 2022, 10(7), 383; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10070383 - 10 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4187
Abstract
This study is the first to investigate the ingestion of microplastics (MPs), plasticizers, additives, and particles of micro-litter < 100 μm by larvae of Simuliidae (Diptera) in rivers. Blackflies belong to a small cosmopolitan insect family whose larvae are present alongside river courses, [...] Read more.
This study is the first to investigate the ingestion of microplastics (MPs), plasticizers, additives, and particles of micro-litter < 100 μm by larvae of Simuliidae (Diptera) in rivers. Blackflies belong to a small cosmopolitan insect family whose larvae are present alongside river courses, often with a torrential regime, up to their mouths. Specimens of two species of blackfly larvae, Simulium equinum and Simulium ornatum, were collected in two rivers in Central Italy, the Mignone and the Treja. Small microplastics (SMPs, <100 μm), plasticizers, additives, and other micro-litter components, e.g., natural and non-plastic synthetic fibers (APFs) ingested by blackfly larvae were, for the first time, quantified and concurrently identified via MicroFTIR. The pretreatment allowed for simultaneous extraction of the ingested SMPs and APFs. Strong acids or strong oxidizing reagents and the application of temperatures well above the glass transition temperature of polyamide 6 and 6.6 (55–60 °C) were not employed to avoid further denaturation/degradation of polymers and underestimating the quantification. Reagent and procedural blanks did not show any SMPs or APFs. The method’s yield was >90%. Differences in the abundances of the SMPs and APFs ingested by the two species under exam were statistically significant. Additives and plasticizers can be specific to a particular polymer; thus, these compounds can be proxies for the presence of plastic polymers in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5385 KiB  
Article
Size Effects of Microplastics on Embryos and Observation of Toxicity Kinetics in Larvae of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
by Chaonan Zhang, Zhiheng Zuo, Qiujie Wang, Shaodan Wang, Liqun Lv and Jixing Zou
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 76; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10020076 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2981
Abstract
Microplastics have caused great concern in recent years. However, few studies have compared the toxicity of different sizes of microplastics in fishes, especially commercial fishes, which are more related to human health. In the present study, we revealed the effects of varying sizes [...] Read more.
Microplastics have caused great concern in recent years. However, few studies have compared the toxicity of different sizes of microplastics in fishes, especially commercial fishes, which are more related to human health. In the present study, we revealed the effects of varying sizes of microplastics on grass carp embryos and larvae using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence imaging. Embryos were exposed to 80 nm and 8 μm microplastics at concentrations of 5, 15, and 45 mg/L. Toxicity kinetics of various sizes of fluorescent microplastics were analyzed through microscopic observation in the larvae. Results found that nanoplastics could not penetrate the embryo’s chorionic membrane, instead they conglutinated or aggregated on the chorion. Our results are the first to explore the defense mechanisms of commercial fish embryos against microplastics. Larvae were prone to ingesting their own excrement, resulting in microplastic flocculants winding around their mouth. For the first time, it was found that excreted microplastics could be reconsumed by fish and reaccumulated in the oral cavity. Microplastics of a certain size (1 μm) could be accumulated in the nasal cavity. We speculate that the presence of a special groove structure in the nasal cavity of grass carp larvae may manage to seize the microplastics with a particular size. As far as we know, this is the first report of microplastics being found in the nasal passages of fish. Fluorescence images clearly recorded the toxicity kinetics of microplastics in herbivorous fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1226 KiB  
Article
Co-Exposure with an Invasive Seaweed Exudate Increases Toxicity of Polyamide Microplastics in the Marine Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
by Filipa G. Rodrigues, Hugo C. Vieira, Diana Campos, Sílvia F. S. Pires, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Ana L. P. Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Jacinta M. M. Oliveira and Maria D. Bordalo
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 43; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10020043 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3915
Abstract
Plastic pollution and invasive species are recognised as pervasive threats to marine biodiversity. However, despite the extensive on-going research on microplastics’ effects in the biota, knowledge on their combination with additional stressors is still limited. This study investigates the effects of polyamide microplastics [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution and invasive species are recognised as pervasive threats to marine biodiversity. However, despite the extensive on-going research on microplastics’ effects in the biota, knowledge on their combination with additional stressors is still limited. This study investigates the effects of polyamide microplastics (PA-MPs, 1 mg/L), alone and in combination with the toxic exudate from the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata (2%), after a 96 h exposure, in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical responses associated with oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, and energy metabolism were evaluated in different tissues (gills, digestive gland, and muscle). Byssus production and PA-MP accumulation were also assessed. Results demonstrated that PA-MPs accumulated the most in the digestive gland of mussels under PA-MP and exudate co-exposure. Furthermore, the combination of stressors also resulted in oxidative damage at the protein level in the gills as well as in a significant reduction in byssus production. Metabolic capacity increased in both PA-MP treatments, consequently affecting the energy balance in mussels under combined stress. Overall, results show a potential increase of PA-MPs toxicity in the presence of A. armata exudate, highlighting the importance of assessing the impact of microplastics in realistic scenarios, specifically in combination with co-occurring stressors, such as invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3906 KiB  
Article
Accumulation, Depuration, and Biological Effects of Polystyrene Microplastic Spheres and Adsorbed Cadmium and Benzo(a)pyrene on the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
by Rebecca von Hellfeld, María Zarzuelo, Beñat Zaldibar, Miren P. Cajaraville and Amaia Orbea
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 18; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10010018 - 05 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3415
Abstract
Filter feeders are target species for microplastic (MP) pollution, as particles can accumulate in the digestive system, disturbing feeding processes and becoming internalized in tissues. MPs may also carry pathogens or pollutants present in the environment. This work assessed the influence of polystyrene [...] Read more.
Filter feeders are target species for microplastic (MP) pollution, as particles can accumulate in the digestive system, disturbing feeding processes and becoming internalized in tissues. MPs may also carry pathogens or pollutants present in the environment. This work assessed the influence of polystyrene (PS) MP size and concentration on accumulation and depuration time and the role of MPs as vectors for metallic (Cd) and organic (benzo(a)pyrene, BaP) pollutants. One-day exposure to pristine MPs induced a concentration-dependent accumulation in the digestive gland (in the stomach and duct lumen), and after 3-day depuration, 45 µm MPs appeared between gill filaments, while 4.5 µm MPs also occurred within gill filaments. After 3-day exposure to contaminated 4.5 µm MPs, mussels showed increased BaP levels whilst Cd accumulation did not occur. Here, PS showed higher affinity to BaP than to Cd. Three-day exposure to pristine or contaminated MPs did not provoke significant alterations in antioxidant and peroxisomal enzyme activities in the gills and digestive gland nor in lysosomal membrane stability. Exposure to dissolved contaminants and to MP-BaP caused histological alterations in the digestive gland. In conclusion, these short-term studies suggest that MPs are ingested and internalized in a size-dependent manner and act as carriers of the persistent organic pollutant BaP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 697 KiB  
Article
Variable Fitness Response of Two Rotifer Species Exposed to Microplastics Particles: The Role of Food Quantity and Quality
by Claudia Drago and Guntram Weithoff
Toxics 2021, 9(11), 305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9110305 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an increasing environmental problem, but a comprehensive understanding of its effect in the environment is still missing. The wide variety of size, shape, and polymer composition of plastics impedes an adequate risk assessment. We investigated the effect of differently sized [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution is an increasing environmental problem, but a comprehensive understanding of its effect in the environment is still missing. The wide variety of size, shape, and polymer composition of plastics impedes an adequate risk assessment. We investigated the effect of differently sized polystyrene beads (1-, 3-, 6-µm; PS) and polyamide fragments (5–25 µm, PA) and non-plastics items such as silica beads (3-µm, SiO2) on the population growth, reproduction (egg ratio), and survival of two common aquatic micro invertebrates: the rotifer species Brachionus calyciflorus and Brachionus fernandoi. The MPs were combined with food quantity, limiting and saturating food concentration, and with food of different quality. We found variable fitness responses with a significant effect of 3-µm PS on the population growth rate in both rotifer species with respect to food quantity. An interaction between the food quality and the MPs treatments was found in the reproduction of B. calyciflorus. PA and SiO2 beads had no effect on fitness response. This study provides further evidence of the indirect effect of MPs in planktonic rotifers and the importance of testing different environmental conditions that could influence the effect of MPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2923 KiB  
Article
Distribution and Seasonal Variation of Microplastics in Tallo River, Makassar, Eastern Indonesia
by Ega Adhi Wicaksono, Shinta Werorilangi, Tamara S. Galloway and Akbar Tahir
Toxics 2021, 9(6), 129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9060129 - 01 Jun 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5327
Abstract
Attention towards microplastic (MP) pollution in various environments is increasing, but relatively little attention has been given to the freshwater-riverine environment. As the biggest city in the eastern Indonesia region, Makassar can be a potential source of MP pollution to its riverine area. [...] Read more.
Attention towards microplastic (MP) pollution in various environments is increasing, but relatively little attention has been given to the freshwater-riverine environment. As the biggest city in the eastern Indonesia region, Makassar can be a potential source of MP pollution to its riverine area. This study aimed to determine the spatial trends, seasonal variation, and characteristics of MPs in the water and sediment of Tallo River, as the main river in Makassar. Water samples were collected using a neuston net and sediment samples were collected using a sediment corer. The samples collected contained MPs with an abundance ranging from 0.74 ± 0.46 to 3.41 ± 0.13 item/m3 and 16.67 ± 20.82 to 150 ± 36.06 item/kg for water and sediment samples, respectively. The microplastic abundance in the Tallo River was higher in the dry season and tended to increase towards the lower river segment. Fragments (47.80–86.03%) and lines (12.50–47.80%) were the predominant shapes, while blue (19.49–46.15%) and transparent (14.29–38.14%) were the most dominant color. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the common MP polymers found in the Tallo river. Actions to prevent MP pollution in the Makassar riverine area are needed before MP pollution becomes more severe in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2794 KiB  
Article
Perfluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) Associated with Microplastics in a Lake Environment
by John W. Scott, Kathryn G. Gunderson, Lee A. Green, Richard R. Rediske and Alan D. Steinman
Toxics 2021, 9(5), 106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9050106 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7167
Abstract
The presence of both microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitous in the environment. The ecological impacts associated with their presence are still poorly understood, however, these contaminants are extremely persistent. Although plastic in the environment can concentrate pollutants, factors such [...] Read more.
The presence of both microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitous in the environment. The ecological impacts associated with their presence are still poorly understood, however, these contaminants are extremely persistent. Although plastic in the environment can concentrate pollutants, factors such as the type of plastic and duration of environmental exposure as it relates to the degree of adsorption have received far less attention. To address these knowledge gaps, experiments were carried out that examined the interactions of PFAS and microplastics in the field and in a controlled environment. For field experiments, we measured the abundance of PFAS on different polymer types of microplastics that were deployed in a lake for 1 month and 3 months. Based on these results, a controlled experiment was conducted to assess the adsorption properties of microplastics in the absence of associated inorganic and organic matter. The adsorption of PFAS was much greater on the field-incubated plastic than what was observed in the laboratory with plastic and water alone, 24 to 259 times versus one-seventh to one-fourth times background levels. These results suggest that adsorption of PFAS by microplastics is greatly enhanced by the presence of inorganic and/or organic matter associated with these materials in the environment, and could present an environmental hazard for aquatic biota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1726 KiB  
Article
Interaction between Styrofoam and Microalgae Spirulina platensis in Brackish Water System
by Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Amnan Haris, Fuad Muhammad, Norma Afiati and Adian Khoironi
Toxics 2021, 9(3), 43; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9030043 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2899
Abstract
Styrofoam is a thermoplastic with special characteristics; it is an efficient insulator, is extremely lightweight, absorbs trauma, is bacteria resistant, and is an ideal packaging material, compared to other thermoplastics. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between Styrofoam and [...] Read more.
Styrofoam is a thermoplastic with special characteristics; it is an efficient insulator, is extremely lightweight, absorbs trauma, is bacteria resistant, and is an ideal packaging material, compared to other thermoplastics. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between Styrofoam and S. platensis. The study examined the growth of S. platensis under Styrofoam stress, changes in Styrofoam functional groups, and their interactions. The research method was culture carried out in brackish water (12 mg/L salinity) for 30 days. S. platensis yields were tested by FTIR and SEM-EDX and Styrofoam samples by FTIR. The results showed the highest growth rate of S. platensis in cultures treated with 150 mg Styrofoam that is 0.0401 day−1. FTIR analysis shows that there has been a change in the functional group on Styrofoam. At a wavelength of 3400–3200 cm−1 corresponds to the alcohol group and there was an open cyclic chain shown by the appearance of a wavelength at 1680–1600 cm−1 assignment to alkene. SEM-EDX test results show that Styrofoam can be a resource of nutrition, especially carbon for S. platensis to photosynthesize. Increased carbon content of 24.56% occurred in culture, meanwhile, Styrofoam is able to damage S. platensis cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 1048 KiB  
Review
Occurrence of Natural and Synthetic Micro-Fibers in the Mediterranean Sea: A Review
by Saul Santini, Eleonora De Beni, Tania Martellini, Chiara Sarti, Demetrio Randazzo, Roberto Ciraolo, Costanza Scopetani and Alessandra Cincinelli
Toxics 2022, 10(7), 391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10070391 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2665
Abstract
Among microplastics (MPs), fibers are one of the most abundant shapes encountered in the aquatic environment. Growing attention is being focused on this typology of particles since they are considered an important form of marine contamination. Information about microfibers distribution in the Mediterranean [...] Read more.
Among microplastics (MPs), fibers are one of the most abundant shapes encountered in the aquatic environment. Growing attention is being focused on this typology of particles since they are considered an important form of marine contamination. Information about microfibers distribution in the Mediterranean Sea is still limited and the increasing evidence of the high amount of fibers in the aquatic environment should lead to a different classification from MPs which, by definition, are composed only of synthetic materials and not natural. In the past, cellulosic fibers (natural and regenerated) have been likely included in the synthetic realm by hundreds of studies, inflating “micro-plastic” counts in both environmental matrices and organisms. Comparisons are often hampered because many of the available studies have explicitly excluded the micro-fibers (MFs) content due, for example, to methodological problems. Considering the abundance of micro-fibers in the environment, a chemical composition analysis is fundamental for toxicological assessments. Overall, the results of this review work provide the basis to monitor and mitigate the impacts of microfiber pollution on the sea ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be used to investigate other basins of the world for future risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4053 KiB  
Review
A Meta-Analysis of the Characterisations of Plastic Ingested by Fish Globally
by Kok Ping Lim, Phaik Eem Lim, Sumiani Yusoff, Chengjun Sun, Jinfeng Ding and Kar Hoe Loh
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 186; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10040186 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3848
Abstract
Plastic contamination in the environment is common but the characterisation of plastic ingested by fish in different environments is lacking. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence of plastic ingested by fish globally. Based on a qualitative analysis of plastic size, [...] Read more.
Plastic contamination in the environment is common but the characterisation of plastic ingested by fish in different environments is lacking. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence of plastic ingested by fish globally. Based on a qualitative analysis of plastic size, it was determined that small microplastics (<1 mm) are predominantly ingested by fish globally. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed that plastic fibres (70.6%) and fragments (19.3%) were the most prevalent plastic components ingested by fish, while blue (24.2%) and black (18.0%) coloured plastic were the most abundant. Polyethylene (15.7%) and polyester (11.6%) were the most abundant polymers. Mixed-effect models were employed to identify the effects of the moderators (sampling environment, plastic size, digestive organs examined, and sampling continents) on the prevalence of plastic shape, colour, and polymer type. Among the moderators, only the sampling environment and continent contributed to a significant difference between subgroups in plastic shape and polymer type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 1034 KiB  
Review
Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Fates, Impacts and Microbial Degradation
by Huirong Yang, Guanglong Chen and Jun Wang
Toxics 2021, 9(2), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9020041 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 12373
Abstract
The serious global microplastic pollution has attracted public concern in recent years. Microplastics are widely distributed in various environments and their pollution is already ubiquitous in the ocean system, which contributes to exponential concern in the past decade and different research areas. Due [...] Read more.
The serious global microplastic pollution has attracted public concern in recent years. Microplastics are widely distributed in various environments and their pollution is already ubiquitous in the ocean system, which contributes to exponential concern in the past decade and different research areas. Due to their tiny size coupled with the various microbial communities in aquatic habitats capable of accumulating organic pollutants, abundant literature is available for assessing the negative impact of MPs on the physiology of marine organisms and eventually on the human health. This study summarizes the current literature on MPs in the marine environment to obtain a better knowledge about MP contamination. This review contains three sections: (1) sources and fates of MPs in the marine environment, (2) impacts of MPs on marine organisms, and (3) bacteria for the degradation of marine MPs. Some measures and efforts must be taken to solve the environmental problems caused by microplastics. The knowledge in this review will provide background information for marine microplastics studies and management strategies in future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-12
Back to TopTop